Marshall University Athletics
Marshall University
Florida International
@HerdSB Drops Final Game at FIU
4/15/2017 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Box Score (PDF)
MIAMI - The Marshall softball team lost the series finale to the FIU Panthers, 3-1, Saturday at Felsburg Field. It was the first time this season that Marshall lost two-straight games. The Thundering Herd drops to 33-7 and 15-3 in Conference USA action. FIU improves to 34-11 and 10-5 in conference.
Senior pitcher Jordan Dixon started in the circle and went the distance. She allowed three hits, three runs, none of which were earned. For Dixon, it was her first loss in her last 18 starts. She is 24-5 this season.
The Herd struggled offensively with just two hits and four walks. Marshall scored first with one run in the top of the fourth. Senior Morgan Zerkle led off with a double. Two batters later, Zerkle stole third and then came in to score as the throw to third got away and went into left field.
FIU scored all of its runs in the bottom of the fifth as the Marshall defense could not put the inning away. Two errors and three free passes (two walks and one hit batter) led to the Panthers taking a two-run lead.
The Herd had an opportunity in the top of the seventh with bases loaded and one out. The Panthers recorded the final two outs on the next two batters to secure the win.
COACH QUOTES
Head Coach Shonda Stanton
"(Pitcher Shannon) Saile did a nice job for FIU and neither team earned runs today. We got our run off a dropped fly ball and an errant throw on the stolen base to take the 1-0 lead. Our pitching and defense unraveled in the fifth inning with two errors, a walk and a hit batter for them to take the lead. We handed them the game and they tried to give it back to us in the seventh."
"Madi and Burdette stepped up with a walk and a hard single up the middle but with the tying run at second, a base running mistake at third and two poor plate appearances were costly. Our pitching and defense were not reliable today and that proved to be the difference in the ball game."
"Fortunately we have five games out of conference with the C-USA bye giving us an opportunity to refocus and get better. Team 24 still has the opportunity to finish strong and record one of the best seasons in Herd softball history. We have the talent, we just need to stay singular focused and compete every pitch."
UP NEXT
Marshall returns home for a single game against the Ohio Bobcats on Tuesday April 18 at 4 p.m. The Herd then plays a single game at Morehead State on Wednesday April 19 at 3 p.m.
